The Ottawa Senators have a storied knack for finding top talent at unexpected draft positions. Whether they’re grabbing two-time Norris winner Erik Karlsson at 15th overall, or digging Calder nominee Mark Stone up at 178th, the team’s scouts have always kept the depth chart stocked with dynamic young prospects—no matter where the team picks from. Still, that didn’t stop GM Bryan Murray from cashing in some assets to strengthen the team’s position at the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Senators went into the weekend with eight defenceman and three goaltenders under contract at the NHL level.… read more

The Ottawa Senators have a storied knack for finding top talent at unexpected draft positions. Whether they’re grabbing two-time Norris winner Erik Karlsson at 15th overall, or digging Calder nominee Mark Stone up at 178th, the team’s scouts have always kept the depth chart stocked with dynamic young prospects—no matter where the team picks from. Still, that didn’t stop GM Bryan Murray from cashing in some assets to strengthen the team’s position at the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Senators went into the weekend with eight defenceman and three goaltenders under contract at the NHL level. Armed with those assets, Murray made a couple of decisions that will have a lasting impact on the team’s roster for years to come.

First, he moved promising young goaltender Robin Lehner and the veteran David Legwand to the Buffalo Sabres for the 21st overall pick. The move sends Lehner to a team where he will finally get the chance to be a starter, and reunites him with Murray’s nephew Tim. Now GM of the Sabres, Tim Murray was largely responsible for drafting Lehner while he was a member of the Ottawa organization as assistant general manager.

“It gives Robin a chance to get a job, play regularly, and get a net to play in. And obviously, Buffalo is happy with him, because Tim knows him in great depth,” Murray said. “We had a crowded crease, and I think it would have been some ill judgement if we didn’t re-sign [Andrew] Hammond after the run he had for us to make the playoffs. He was a big part of that.”

“He’ll get the chance to go and play a prominent role. It allows us to play Jared Cowen on a regular basis now. It gets us down to seven defenceman.”

The move promises that AHL Defenceman of the Year Chris Wideman will have an easier path to the big club.

“[Wideman is] an offensive, skilled guy. He played outstanding in the American Hockey League last year, and he’s ready to play in the NHL,” Murray said.

Murray swapped second round picks with New Jersey in order to move up to 36th overall. The Devils received Ottawa’s 42nd overall pick and a third rounder in 2016.

Throughout the draft, the Senators steered clear of selecting left wingers due to the organization already having several prospects at that position, including Nick Paul, Shane Prince, and Matt Puempel. Instead, the team loaded up at every other position—focusing on players with high skill, and size when possible.

Free-wheeling and quick-thinking, Thomas Chabot is an outstanding two-way defenceman who could have been taken earlier than 18th, where the Senators were pleased to find him still available. Although the Senators have a large amount of capable defenceman in the system, they lacked elite prospects with the potential to play on the top pairing.

For Chabot’s part, he was just honoured to be selected in the first round, and happy that it was the Senators who chose him.

“It’s pretty nice that I’m going with great players like that, and even better, in a great organization. It’s going to be nice, for sure.”

In July, Chabot turned heads at Development Camp with his quick feet and offensive prowess. But for this year, he will most certainly return to the Saint John Sea Dogs, where he will continue working with Paul Boutilier, a former star QMJHL defenseman who went on to win a Stanley Cup as a member of the 1982-83 New York Islanders.

“It helped me a lot. We had Paul Boutilier this year, who worked with the defense. And I think this guy really knows the game. He played in it, and he was one of the best d-men back in his time.”

Chabot could join Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championships. He was one of 13 defensemen who were invited to the National Junior Team Development Camp, which will take place from Aug. 1st-7th.

Chabot spoke with the media following his selection by the Senators, with some of his comments being captured in this Hockey’s Future video.

Ottawa used the selection they received in the Buffalo trade to select Colin White, a skilled, relentless two-way centre who spent the 2014-15 season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Although he lost much of his season to injury and mono, he mended in time to lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the U18 World Junior Championships, scoring the golden goal against Finland in overtime of the finals.

“We think [he] is going to be a really important player in the future of the organization. But again, he’s a young prospect. It’ll take time to find out what he really becomes, but all the prediction and all the evaluation we have is that he’s a real good player,” said Murray.

White could become the team’s center of the future if can stay healthy, but with the NHL club’s centers likely set for the next couple of years, there is no rush—and he will have plenty of time to develop.

White scored 54 points in 54 games in the U.S. Development Program last season. This year, he will join Boston College as a freshman.

White met with reporters after being chosen by the Senators, with his comments being featured in this HF video.

Photo: Winger Robin Kovacs won awards for most goals (17) and points (28) for a junior playing in the Allsvenskan men’s league in 2014-15. (Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

The New York Rangers went into the 2015 NHL Draft with only four picks over the seven-round event. As expected, the Rangers made several trades to add selections during the two-day draft, to wind up with a full complement of seven picks. But for the third year in a row, the Blueshirts had no first-round pick.

The Rangers had sent that 2015 first-round selection to Tampa Bay in the trade that brought Marty St.… read more

Photo: Winger Robin Kovacs won awards for most goals (17) and points (28) for a junior playing in the Allsvenskan men’s league in 2014-15. (Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

The New York Rangers went into the 2015 NHL Draft with only four picks over the seven-round event. As expected, the Rangers made several trades to add selections during the two-day draft, to wind up with a full complement of seven picks. But for the third year in a row, the Blueshirts had no first-round pick.

The Rangers had sent that 2015 first-round selection to Tampa Bay in the trade that brought Marty St. Louis to New York in March of 2014. Whether or not one believes that the St. Louis trade was a good one, the placement of the team’s pick in the first round (28th overall) would not have provided the Rangers an opportunity for a top draftee.

During the draft, the Rangers sent two roster players, Carl Hagelin and Cam Talbot, to Anaheim and Edmonton, respectively. Hagelin, a restricted free agent (who subsequently signed a long-term deal with the Ducks) was a victim of the Rangers’ salary cap issues and Talbot was traded to get New York something in return before he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2016.

Of the seven players chosen by the Rangers in this year’s draft, five are forwards, one is a defenseman, and one a goaltender. Three skated in the WHL during the 2014-15 season, three played in Europe and one in the USHL. None of these selections will break onto the NHL roster anytime soon, but the potential offensive firepower selected is impressive.

At 6’2, Gropp projects to be a power forward in the NHL. New York had already noticed the Thunderbirds forward’s incredible skating speed and his quick release before Gropp performed very well at the NHL Combine in June. After an excellent interview, the Rangers ranked Gropp higher than mid-second round. When he was available at the 41st pick, the Rangers were happy to get the young Kamloops, BC native.

Like Steven Fogarty, another Rangers forward prospect, Gropp came through the Penticton Vees (BCHL) organization. Originally committed to the University of North Dakota, Gropp decided in the fall of 2013 to go the major junior route. Born late in 1996, he skated in 67 regular season games with Seattle in 2014-15, posting 58 points (30 G, 28 A) and 44 PIMs.

With his size, speed and shot, Gropp is expected to be an offensive force in the NHL, but prior to getting to the show, the Rangers are looking for greater consistency in Gropp’s play.

Prior to the NHL Draft, Gropp took part in the 2015 NHL Scouting Combine. Hockey’s Future spoke with Gropp at that event, with that conversation being captured in this HF video.

Somewhat undersized, Kovacs is a speedster with high end skill, as well as an edge to his game. Kovacs will need to gain upper body strength prior to becoming a North American professional, but his game is very conducive to the smaller North American rink. He can pass the puck well, has excellent vision, and is dangerous on every shift.

Although Kovacs informed the Rangers that he will return to Sweden for the 2015-16 season, he was recently drafted by the North Bay Battalion in the CHL Import Draft. Last season, he spent the majority of his games in Sweden’s second tier men’s league, the Allsvenskan, recording 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists) in 52 regular season games. Additionally, Kovacs appeared in the Five Nations Tournament this year, posting six points in four games.

The Rangers see Zborovskiy as a potential two-way NHL defender. After playing his youth hockey in Moscow and debuting in the MHL at 16, Zborovskiy was selected by the WHL Regina Pats in the 2014 import draft. The big, raw defenseman was a coach’s favorite during his rookie North American season, coming on very strong during the second half of the 2014-15 season.

With 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 71 games, Zborovskiy was an excellent competitor, both with and without the puck. Zborovskiy’s positioning is excellent and he has a very good shot. Where Zborovskiy must improve to be successful in the pro game is in his skating. Both acceleration and his overall speed need work.

Unable to attend Rangers Development Camp earlier this month due to Visa issues, Zborovskiy is expected to play in Traverse City and attend the main training camp this fall.

Saarela was a very big part of Finland’s success during the 2015 U18 World Junior Championships in Switzerland. The team took the silver medal and Saarela was one of the team’s leading scorers (eight points in seven games).

Undersized, Saarela has tremendous skating acceleration and very good speed. Although he is not tall, it is tough to get the puck away from him. He has excellent hockey sense, vision, and quick hands, so he can be a playmaker and a goal-scorer equally as well.

During 2014-15, Saarela was an underaged skater for Assat. One of only three 17 year olds on the team, Saarela posted 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 51 games. Injured at the end of the season, Saarela was unable to come over for the Rangers Development Camp earlier this month. He is expected to continue to develop in Europe this fall.

Morrison may be small and undeveloped, but there is something very special about the Prince George native. Like Saarela, he has natural offensive gifts—excellent vision, hockey smarts, and great hands. Willing to play in traffic, he often loses the battles, but tries to find other ways to make things happen.

In his second full season with the Cougars, Morrison showed his offensive skills (49 points in 67 regular season games and seven points in five playoff contests). The Rangers are looking for Morrison to bulk up and work on his skating, but he was quite noticeable at Development Camp.

One of the more dynamic players at the Rangers Development Camp, Bernhardt has good size and strength and can really make things happen on the ice. A good skater, who focuses on his conditioning and nutrition, Bernhardt had a fabulous 2014-15 season. He won the SuperElit scoring title (61 points in 44 games), coming out of nowhere to position himself on many teams’ draft lists.

The Rangers were hoping that Bernhardt would play North American junior hockey this season, and in fact, Bernhardt was drafted by the OHL London Knights. However, prior to leaving development camp, he told the Rangers that he would be returning to Europe for at least one, and likely two, years of development.

The last thing the Rangers needed to add to their system in this draft was a goaltender. However, when the team saw Huska was still available in the seventh round, New York grabbed him. Huska is a Slovakian netminder, who began the 2014-15 campaign with the national U18 team. The Rangers saw him at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament and were very impressed with his movement and the way he challenged shooters.

He then moved to North America to join the Green Bay Gamblers. In five games, Huska only played in a little over 245 minutes. However, he is expected to play regularly between the pipes for Green Bay during the 2015-16 season.

Photo: Saint John Sea Dogs forward and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Samuel Dove-McFalls was one of five forwards chosen by the Flyers at the 2015 NHL Draft (courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

The last five weeks have been quite the experience for Samuel Dove-McFalls. The Saint John Sea Dogs’ forward was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft last month, then attended the Flyers’ annual development camp in the middle of July.

Heading into his third season of junior hockey in the QMJHL, he’s looking to take the next step in his career and begin to carve out his path towards professional hockey, and ultimately, the NHL.… read more

Photo: Saint John Sea Dogs forward and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Samuel Dove-McFalls was one of five forwards chosen by the Flyers at the 2015 NHL Draft (courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

The last five weeks have been quite the experience for Samuel Dove-McFalls. The Saint John Sea Dogs’ forward was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft last month, then attended the Flyers’ annual development camp in the middle of July.

Heading into his third season of junior hockey in the QMJHL, he’s looking to take the next step in his career and begin to carve out his path towards professional hockey, and ultimately, the NHL.

“It’s going by pretty fast,” Dove-McFalls said of his summer so far. “Lots of stuff happening and it’s all a little bit confusing since the draft. It’s been a really good experience so far this week [at Development Camp] so I’m pretty happy.”

While the Flyers have several smallish-type forwards in their system, the addition of Dove-McFalls gives the organization some more size up front. He was noticeably bigger than most of his peers taking part in the Flyers’ Development Camp at The Skate Zone in Vorhees, New Jersey.

Dove-McFalls is likely to return to Saint John for the 2015-16 season, so his main focus at the mid-summer camp is to add to his hockey knowledge.

“It’s all about learning and developing as a player and as a person,” Dove-McFalls said, adding, “I feel like that’s what I’ve been doing at practice so far. I’ve learned a lot of new aspects of the game. I’ve been working on it and I think it’s helping a lot.”

With Saint John last season – his second year of junior hockey – Dove-McFalls more than tripled his offensive production from his rookie year and continued to be a strong penalty killer – an asset that he hopes will pave his way into a bottom-six role in the NHL in the near future.

“I think I’m a reliable, two-way center that’s pretty versatile,” Dove-McFalls said when asked about his style of play. “I can also be used on the wing and just be used in all kinds of different situations and be relied upon no matter what.”

Those who have seen Dove-McFalls play in the QMJHL say he not only kills penalties, but creates quality chances shorthanded, as well. He hasn’t quite exploded offensively yet, but Dove-McFalls has two more years of junior eligibility and will continue to use his size to his advantage. As for what Dove-McFalls is looking to work on, it’s pretty much on par with most other forwards of his stature.

“[Skating] explosiveness, stickhandling – I can keep working on it,” Dove-McFalls said. “The skill part of the game is something I can work on.”

Dove-McFalls’ second season in the QMJHL with the Sea Dogs started off well, but as a team they struggled down the stretch after the trade of their captain, Olivier LeBlanc, and having their star goaltender Sebastien Auger go down with an injury.

“We started off as a team really well,” Dove-McFalls said of last season with Saint John. “Toward the second half we struggled a bit more. We were a young team. I think a lot of the guys got tired and weren’t used to the long season.”

While the young team struggled, Dove-McFalls emerged as a leader as he was named an assistant captain in the second half of the season. With the team’s most recent captain, Mark Tremaine, having graduated from junior hockey, Dove-McFalls should be a sure-fire candidate to take over the captaincy this upcoming season.

“Personally, I think I improved a lot as the year went on,” Dove-McFalls explained. “I took on a bigger leadership role in the second half, so it was a good season for me.”

While Dove-McFalls was excited to be drafted and be a part of the Flyers organization at their NHL development camp in July, he’s still primed for the task at hand when he returns to Saint John next month.

“We had 7 guys drafted in the draft this year,” Dove-McFalls noted. “Obviously, there will be big expectations for next year. We want to win the President’s Cup. We want to make it to the Memorial Cup. That’s a big season coming up for us and we all have to come ready to camp in August.”

Photo: Jack Eichel led Boston University to the Frozen Four finals, totalling 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games as a freshman. (Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

In most cases, a winning record and a championship trophy would be considered a triumphant year, but not for the Buffalo Sabres, a rebuilding team more concerned with stockpiling talent. Losing was winning for the Sabres, because each loss meant getting closer and closer to their prize: Connor McDavid. A generational talent, McDavid could single-handedly alter the course of a franchise and provide multiple winning records and trophies for years to come.… read more

Photo: Jack Eichel led Boston University to the Frozen Four finals, totalling 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games as a freshman. (Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

In most cases, a winning record and a championship trophy would be considered a triumphant year, but not for the Buffalo Sabres, a rebuilding team more concerned with stockpiling talent. Losing was winning for the Sabres, because each loss meant getting closer and closer to their prize: Connor McDavid. A generational talent, McDavid could single-handedly alter the course of a franchise and provide multiple winning records and trophies for years to come.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. At the NHL Draft Lottery, the Sabres watched the first overall pick slip through their fingers to the Edmonton Oilers, forcing them to settle for the second instead. In any other year, the drop from first to second would be significant, but center Jack Eichel was also considered a franchise player in his own right, and perhaps a first overall pick in any other year.

While Buffalo’s first selection at the 2015 NHL Draft hardly required any thought, the rest of the draft certainly presented some tough decisions. Under General Manager Tim Murray, the Sabres have always elected to take the best player available, but after trading defenseman Nikita Zadorov in a package to Colorado to land Ryan O’Reilly, a blue line that barely managed to stay afloat during the regular season got even thinner. The Sabres have taken a best-player-available approach under Murray, but also needed to replenish the back end, which may come at the expense of passing on a more talented player.

The Sabres managed to accomplish both, drafting defensemen Brendan Guhle and Will Borgen in the second and fourth round, respectively, and then adding another defenseman in Devante Stephens, whom the Sabres believed was the best player at their slot in the fifth round. Center Giorgio Estephan was selected in the sixth round while defenseman Ivan Chukarov was selected in the seventh.

In his typical direct fashion, it took less than a minute for Murray to walk from the Sabres draft table and speak those words into the microphone. In a night where Murray can change the fortune of the Sabres with one name, at an event considered to be a rite of passage for young players, there was nothing grand or ceremonial when Eichel’s name was called.

“I had an idea that Tim Murray was going to say that in the exact way that he said,” said Eichel. “I was told he was going to say it like that, so it wasn’t really a surprise. I kind of like it. He’s straightforward, got to the point, didn’t have to build up any suspense.”

Even if Murray wanted to build some suspense, it was probably impossible, considering what Eichel had accomplished over the year. The Boston University product led his team in scoring with 71 points in 40 games, en route to winning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s best player, becoming only the second freshman to do so since Paul Kariya in 1993. It was a foregone conclusion that the Sabres would draft Eichel, but for the 18-year-old, it was still a thrill.

“I think just looking back on the entire year, it’s been the best year of my life. This just really caps it off. You hear a lot about the draft and everything that goes on here, but until you hear your name called and you go on stage and put a jersey on, there’s nothing like it.”

Eichel immediately becomes Buffalo’s best prospect given his explosive offensive abilities, and projects to be an elite first-line scoring center. He will be surrounded by a young core of players and the group will be expected to carry the franchise together.

“I think Buffalo as a city and the Sabres as a team is heading in a great direction. I think you look at some of the moves that they’ve made and the guys they’ve acquired, the guys they have in the system, the guys they have on their team, there’s a lot of positives, and I want to try to become a piece of the puzzle because Buffalo wants success and they want success soon.”

Eichel signed less than a week after getting drafted. Sam Reinhart, last year’s second overall pick and a very strong two-way center, is also expected to make the team. With Eichel, Reinhart, O’Reilly and the industrious Zemgus Girgensons, the Sabres have already locked up their most important position.

Murray is well aware of the pressure that is placed on Eichel and Reinhart, and knows that throwing the kids into the fire may not always produce the best result. The experience comes first hand with Zadorov and Mikhail Grigorenko, neither of whom were able to transition from major junior to the pros without hiccups, and both have since been traded for O’Reilly.

“We want to take pressure off them, certainly at home when we have the last change,” said Murray. “I like the fact that… on the road they’re still going to get good matchups. I know Girgensons can play center, O’Reilly can play center and they both have some experience and they both play hard.”

Tim Murray spoke with reporters towards the end of the first day of the NHL Draft, with his comments being included in this HF video.

Originally ranked 76th in the midterm Central Scouting rankings, Guhle’s strong play throughout the season saw his stock rise steadily before settling at 56th at the end of the year. The third overall pick from the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, Guhle describes himself as a “do it all” defenseman who skates well, creates offense, and plays against the opposition’s top lines. He scored five goals and 32 points in 72 games, was one of just three Raiders to dress in every game this season, and showed a significant improvement over his rookie season—when he scored just 10 assists in 51 games.

The Sabres kept tabs on Guhle all season long and were not too surprised that he blew everyone away at the combine.

“We were kind of hoping he wouldn’t test at the combine,” said Murray, who wanted to keep Guhle’s exceptional athletic ability secret. “He’s an unbelievable athlete. He tested off the charts. He can really skate.”

Guhle matched Eichel with seven finishes in the top 10, including best scores in the Wingate (explosive leg power) and the long jump, fourth place in the vertical leap, and top-seven finishes in agility tests, further evidence of a powerful stride and good skating ability.

“I was pretty quietly confident [at the combine] but I was surprised about a couple of things that went better than I thought it would,” said Guhle, who credits Josh Morrissey (WPG) for his growth this season.

Guhle was a steady presence on the Raiders blue line last season, despite being just 17 years old.

“I think that it’s important to have (poise) as a defenseman,” he said “Being able to handle the puck obviously is a big part of the game since defence usually have the puck more.”

Guhle admitted that he had “a pretty good feeling” that the Sabres were looking to draft him, though both Guhle and the Sabres know he still has to develop further before turning pro.

“He’s raw,” said Murray. “We had some concerns a little about his defensive game, but he went where he went. There are some things he has to remember but I know the one thing we can teach in this organization is how to check.”

“I definitely want to become a lot bigger and a lot stronger,” said Guhle, who intends to add more muscle to his 6’2 frame. He will need to do so in order to withstand the immense physical demands of playing in the pros, especially when it comes to hitting. “It’s part of the game,” said Guhle. “It’s not necessarily I like it, but it just happens at times. I think it’s important in a game of momentum, too, for your team.”

Guhle is expected to return to Prince Albert, where he is certainly going to play a major role. Murray described Guhle as a “long-term” player, meaning that the Sabres will be patient with Guhle as he fine tunes his game.

Guhle spoke with the media following his selection by the Sabres on Day 2 of the NHL Draft, with his comments being captured in this Hockey’s Future video.

Photo: Karpat forward Jesse Puljujarvi (L) and Omsk forward Dmitri Sokolov (R) are among the top forwards out of Europe for the 2016 NHL Draft (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images and Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)

The 2015 NHL Draft has come and gone. While most NHL teams and their fans are still pondering the possibilities of their new assets heading into the future, the next draft class from Europe is preparing itself for a big 2015-16 season, which at the moment has a number of extremely fascinating talents that scouts are very excited to see starting next month at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Bratislava, Slovakia and Breclav, Czech Republic.… read more

Photo: Karpat forward Jesse Puljujarvi (L) and Omsk forward Dmitri Sokolov (R) are among the top forwards out of Europe for the 2016 NHL Draft (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images and Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)

The 2015 NHL Draft has come and gone. While most NHL teams and their fans are still pondering the possibilities of their new assets heading into the future, the next draft class from Europe is preparing itself for a big 2015-16 season, which at the moment has a number of extremely fascinating talents that scouts are very excited to see starting next month at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Bratislava, Slovakia and Breclav, Czech Republic. While some of these players may eventually wind up in North America as soon as this winter, fans may just see U.S. wunderkind Auston Matthews in a pro European jersey this winter, as well.

As is usually the case at this juncture of the year, predominantly forwards who have already strutted their stuff at various tournaments throughout last winter and then at the U18 World Championship dominate the top of this list. Taking this into account, there are several very strong prospects coming from Europe who have gained international attention while already having at least part of season under their belt at the highest pro level in their respective countries.

Heading the list is a Finnish forward who is already 6’3” and 200 pounds and played a key role for Finland’s silver medal-winning team at the U18 World Championship this past spring. It’s felt at this point that he will compete for one of the top three draft positions in the 2016 NHL Draft.

1. Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat (Liiga)6‘3“, 200 lbs.

Jesse Puljujarvi is big, powerful, can really move, and there seems to be no lack of confidence in his game. On top of it all, he is jovial and humble, and seems very determined to be all he can be. A coach’s dream, Puljujarvi was already a top-six forward for Finland at the U18 in Switzerland and the silver medal winner put up two goals, seven points, and a +5 rating in his seven tournament outings. Displaying a sound ability to protect and distribute the puck, Puljujarvi can play the game most anyway you want it and shows no fear in moving through traffic areas.

Last season, as a 16/17 year old, Puljujarvi scored 14 goals and 21 points in just 16 U20 league games. He was also loaned to Hokki of the second pro league and put up eight goals, 13 points, and a +9 in 15 games. His season become all that much more impressive when he chipped in four goals, 11 points, and a +4 in 21 games for Karpat in Liiga play. Although his role was minimal, he has already represented Finland at the U20 World Junior Championship. But plainly, many top-flight players don’t achieve all that in their actual draft year, much less the season before.

2. Dmitri Sokolov, LW/C, Omsk Yastreby (MHL)6’0”, 215 lbs.

If you like your Russian forwards to be big-bodied freight trains who can still pivot on a dime and like to get a lot done individually, then you are going to have fun watching Dmitri Sokolov this winter. He is both strong and talented with the stick, and takes a lot of pride in impacting a game with his bull-in-a-china-shop mentality in the offensive zone. Sure, there is a lot he needs to work on to become a more complete player, but he appears to have the smarts to be effective over the long run even when he doesn’t have the puck, albeit preferring to be controlling the action when he is on the ice. A determined player, he has the motor and size to effectively get by opposing defensemen.

A player many are excited to see this winter, he was drafted third overall by the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL in the CHL Import Draft, to whom he committed shortly thereafter. After two goals, five points, and a +2 in five U18 games, along with 13 goals and 17 points in 35 MHL games, Sokolov will put his goods on display in the North American spotlight this winter.

3. Patrik Laine, RW, Tappara (Liiga)6’3”, 210 lbs.

Slightly larger than Puljujarvi, Patrik Laine is considered an enfant terrible for a number of reasons. Along with a number of stories about poor relationships with coaches, it is easy to watch him on the ice and wonder if his style is all that popular with his teammates. But there is no denying his rocket of a shot, which he makes excellent use of in a one-time capacity, nor his strong ability to carry and protect the puck. It is no easy task separating this hulk of a kid from the puck anywhere on the ice. A menace in the offensive zone, many see Laine as THE Finnish player who will one day assume the importance and wherewithal of a Teemu Selanne.

Selected 24th overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2015 CHL Import Draft, chances are still high that Laine will continue his ice hockey progression in Finland, where he is expected to take a regular shift for Tappara in Liiga play. At the U18, he tallied eight goals and 11 points along with a +6 rating in seven games, earning a spot on the All-Star team. Last season he played primarily for LeKi in Mestis (Finland’s second league) and had a so-so season with five goals, 12 points, and a -12 in 38 games.

Expected to be part of Finland’s 2016 WJC club, it will be a fascinating winter for this truly special and meticulous player.

4. Alexander Nylander, RW, AIK J20 (SuperElit)5’11”, 165 lbs.

Fans simply have to love the story about the Nylander family that just keeps on giving. The younger brother to Toronto super prospect William and son to former NHL forward Michael, Alexander Nylander just had a big winter as not only one of his nation’s top U17 players internationally, but one of the best U20 players in the country as a 16/17 year old. For famed AIK Stockholm’s U20 team, he contributed 15 goals, 41 points, and a -8 rating in 44 games. He also casually chipped in two goals, 13 points, and a +5 in seven U18 league contests. To cap things off, Nylander got his feet wet in pro play with seven Allsvenskan games, in which he collected two points.

Like his brother and father, Nylander has proven to be an incredibly skilled playmaker, displaying a keen ability to create space for both he and his teammates while showing off some elite puck skills. Seeing the ice much like his brother, the passes and shots have often been things of beauty. Drafted 12th by the Mississauga Steelheads in the CHL Import Draft, it is uncertain at this point what Nylander will be doing next season.

5. Rasmus Asplund, C/LW, Farjestad (SHL)6’0”, 180 lbs.

Already quite accomplished for his age, the young Rasmus Asplund had a terribly busy 2014-15 season which was capped off by captaining Sweden at the U18 WC, where he contributed two goals and five points in five games. Before that, he was the last cut from Sweden’s 2015 WJC squad and spent a good two thirds of the season playing for Farjestad’s men’s team in the SHL, collecting three points and a -1 rating in 38 games. He also added 11 goals, 32 points, and a +23 rating in 25 U20 league games as a 17 year old, making him one of the nation’s top junior players.

Asplund will be expected to take on an even bigger role in the SHL next season and is considered by many to be a more well-rounded prospect than, say, teammate Joel Eriksson Ek, who was just drafted and has signed his entry-level ontract. It will be an exciting year for Asplund, who will not only be in the SHL, but will likely be part of the WJC squad.

6. Olli Juolevi, D, Jokerit U20 (Jr. A SM-Liiga)6’2”, 185 lbs.

There has been some talk that Olli Juolevi may be about the most solid defensive prospect coming out of Finland since, well, in a while. Already very nicely sized, Juolevi is simply very cerebral in his approach to the game, as he is able to play it any way you like it. Most impressive is how effortless he makes things look while making breakout passes that can often stretch the limits of viewer belief. Intelligent and extremely responsible defensively, he just spent the entire season playing for Jokerit in the U20 circuit, putting up an impressive seven goals and 35 points in 49 games.

Drafted 45th overall in the CHL Import Draft by the strong London Knights of the OHL, it appears as though Jokerit will be losing out on a kid they felt could possibly skate in Liiga this season. For NHL scouts, they’ll get a prime look at a defenseman who may just make an impact similar to that of landsman Julius Honka several years back for the Swift Current Broncos.

Photo: The Carolina Hurricanes hope that Hanifin, their 5th overall draft choice in 2015, will be able to jump directly into the pros. (Courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

From the Carolina Hurricanes’ perspective, things could not have gone much better for them in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft. While the top two picks were signed, sealed and delivered when Edmonton won the NHL Draft Lottery, how the rest of the top 10 would shake out was very much a mystery.

The chips fell exactly as Carolina wanted, with prized defensive prospect Noah Hanifin falling to them at the fifth overall pick.… read more

Photo: The Carolina Hurricanes hope that Hanifin, their 5th overall draft choice in 2015, will be able to jump directly into the pros. (Courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

From the Carolina Hurricanes’ perspective, things could not have gone much better for them in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft. While the top two picks were signed, sealed and delivered when Edmonton won the NHL Draft Lottery, how the rest of the top 10 would shake out was very much a mystery.

The chips fell exactly as Carolina wanted, with prized defensive prospect Noah Hanifin falling to them at the fifth overall pick. The addition of Hanifin gives the Hurricanes a pool of defensemen that should solidify the team’s blue line for a decade.

From there, Carolina focused mostly on their forward ranks, using six of their remaining eight picks on centers and wings. Throw in another defenseman and a goalie—the sixth picked by the Hurricanes in the last six drafts—and General Manager Ron Francis had his second draft in the books.

Francis continued to differentiate himself from his predecessor and mentor, current Penguins GM Jim Rutherford. That included choosing a defenseman in the first round for the second straight year and selecting three players from the QMJHL—two things Rutherford never did. He also continued to make size a priority, adding six players who measured at least 6’3.

On top of bringing in a large class—both in numbers and size — Francis used the draft to tweak his roster. He exchanged goalies, acquiring Eddie Lack from Vancouver for a 2015 third-round pick and a 2016 seventh-round pick. He also sent Anton Khudobin to Anaheim for veteran offensive defenseman James Wisniewski. By drafting Hanifin and adding Wisniewski, Francis didn’t have to pony up big money on free agents and should have his defense ready come October. Lack is expected to battle Cam Ward for starts in net.

Hanifin was the prized defenseman in this year’s draft, so Carolina felt fortunate that they were able to add him to their stable of blueliners. Hanifin was glad to be picked by a team that was so high on him.

“From the beginning I wanted to go to a team that wanted me,” Hanifin said. “Obviously Carolina saw something in me and I’m going to work as hard as I can for this organization.”

A freshman at Boston College last season, Hanifin was named to Hockey East’s All-Rookie Team and was a Second Team Conference All-Star. He also starred for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. It was not as dominant a season as fellow top-five pick and NCAA freshman Jack Eichel, but it was enough to make him the consensus top defender at this year’s draft.

“Much like [2014 seventh overall pick] Haydn Fleury, his game is still evolving,” Hurricanes Director of Amateur Scouting Tony MacDonald said of Hanifin at the draft. “We haven’t seen the best of Noah Hanifin yet, and what we have right now is a pretty good player. The upside is significant. He has the chance to be a real horse at the NHL level for a long, long time.”

Hanifin’s first NCAA season was indeed impressive. As a first-year collegiate player, Hanifin finished with 23 points—including five goals—in 37 games. He was even better in conference play, finishing tied for 22nd among all players in scoring with 20 points in 25 games, best among all Eagles players.

The Hurricanes, for their part, are hoping Hanifin will turn pro and make the same contribution for them in the near future.

“I think his game is at a point where going back to college isn’t going to improve his game,” MacDonald said. “I think he’s beyond that at this point in time.”

Hanifin prides himself on being reliable in all three zones, but many think that despite his size (6’3, 203 pounds) and skills, his best asset might be how well he thinks the game. Hanifin does need to get stronger and play a more physical game.

Carolina thinks he still might be ready, and while Hanifin knows the jump to the NHL won’t be easy, he exudes confidence.

“Yeah, making that step, obviously it will be a huge adjustment,” Hanifin said. “There are definitely pros and cons to both, but as far as my abilities, you know, I’m very confident in myself and I feel that if I needed to go and play, I could absolutely do it.”

Hanifin said he would talk over his options with his family and advisors and make a decision in the coming weeks. MacDonald also pointed out that even if Hanifin needs seasoning before joining the Hurricanes in Raleigh, turning pro gives him the option of playing in the AHL.

“With young defenseman, it’s asking a lot to have them to come and play right away,” MacDonald said. “But I think we’d like to give him that opportunity to prove that he’s ready to go.”

It was no surprise that the Hurricanes targeted a forward in Round 2. With Hanifin in the fold and the cupboards stocked on defense, Francis looked to Finland for the team’s second pick.

Aho is the only smallish player in the Hurricanes’ otherwise big draft, but the Finnish winger’s stick-handling skills, elusiveness and vision made him a target for Carolina.

MacDonald admitted that many of the players they were targeting at 35th overall went in the first round, but by drafting Aho they might have landed the type of smaller player that can make a mark in today’s NHL.

Aho benefits from competing against men in Finland’s league, playing in league champion Karpat’s top nine and finishing with four goals and seven assists in 27 regular season games. Karpat’s confidence in Aho—and the player’s apparent flair for the dramatic—paid off in the postseason, when Aho sealed the league title with a breakaway goal in double overtime of Game 7 against Tappara.

Aho—who shares a name with a Swedish defenseman who was also draft eligible this summer after being passed over last year—was one of the younger players in the draft and will not turn 18 until July 26.

For the fifth time in six seasons, the Hurricanes selected a goalie at the draft. Unlike last year when they selected reigning OHL Goaltender of the Year Alex Nedeljkovic in the second round, Carolina went with potential instead of concrete results in drafting Booth.

Booth held the starting role for most of last season until the Remparts acquired Zachary Fucale from Halifax for the team’s Memorial Cup run. Booth finished the regular season 23-13-1 with a 3.05 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.

Booth actually wrestled a few starts away from Fucale in the postseason—Quebec lost in the QMJHL finals, but competed in the Memorial Cup as host team, winning one of three games—and should re-assume the starting duties with Fucale poised to turn pro next season.

Booth was recruited to Quebec by its former coach, current Avalanche bench boss Patrick Roy, and plays the butterfly style popularized by the former NHL goaltender. Booth is big and athletic, but needs to get in more games to polish his skills.

Photo: Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins goaltender and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Matt Murray led the AHL in three categories in his rookie season (courtesy of Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Expectations were tempered for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending prospect Matt Murray. Heading into the 2014-15 season, his first year as a pro, Murray was expected to compete with veteran Jeff Zatkoff for starts in the AHL. Instead, the first-year goalie finished the 2014-15 season as AHL Goaltender of the Year, AHL Rookie of the Year, and led the league in goals-against average, shutouts, and save percentage.

Murray’s AHL rookie season ranks among the best individual regular seasons in league history.… read more

Photo: Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins goaltender and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Matt Murray led the AHL in three categories in his rookie season (courtesy of Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Expectations were tempered for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending prospect Matt Murray. Heading into the 2014-15 season, his first year as a pro, Murray was expected to compete with veteran Jeff Zatkoff for starts in the AHL. Instead, the first-year goalie finished the 2014-15 season as AHL Goaltender of the Year, AHL Rookie of the Year, and led the league in goals-against average, shutouts, and save percentage.

Murray’s AHL rookie season ranks among the best individual regular seasons in league history. In 40 games played for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, Murray posted a 1.58 goals-against average, which was .3 goals less than any other goaltender in the league. He also managed a .941 save percentage and set an AHL rookie record with 12 shutouts. Murray finished one shutout shy of tying Jason LaBarbera’s single season record of 13, which was set in the 2003-04 season.

“It was a huge year for me development wise. I definitely made the most strides last year than any other year in my entire career,” Murray said. “Honestly, I was really proud of the season I had. A lot of challenges on the way and [I] rose up to conquer them – most of them. That’s how I treat my whole career, challenging myself and just trying to pass every test that comes my way.”

“We did not see that coming,” said Penguins former assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald. “We knew he was a good goalie. We knew he’d have some growing pains. No one ever expected him to be goalie of the year in the AHL as a 20-year-old.”

Although his finish to the 2014-15 season was stellar, it took Murray some time to get into a groove. He was 6-6-2 through the end of December, and was allowing an average of 2.36 goals per game while splitting starts with Zatkoff. But things changed when Zatkoff suffered a minor injury in practice and Murray had the chance to seize the starter’s job. From January 21st to April 17th, Murray posted an 18-3-1 record and eight shutouts, including a streak of four shutouts in a row, dating from February 13th to March 7th.

“When I was in that streak, I really wasn’t thinking about it,” Murray said. “Once the game ends, I’m looking forward to the next game, and really, I look at every game as a new challenge. I think that’s the best way to do it. It keeps you in the moment and I think athletes are at their best when they’re in the moment and their focus is one-hundred percent on the game at hand.”

“It’s easy to get excited about a prospect like that,” said Fitzgerald, who recently was hired by the New Jersey Devils after eight years with the Penguins. “[The Penguins] have to manage those expectations. He’s not coming in and beating out Marc-Andre Fleury.”

For the 2015-16 season, Murray realizes he will be hard pressed to replicate the type of numbers he managed in his rookie year.

“I’m always trying to get better,” Murray said. “At this point in your hockey career, your style of play is basically what it is. You make real small changes that are going to help you make that jump to the next level. It’s definitely going to be difficult. I’m going to have to get faster. I’m going to have to get smarter and think the game a little bit quicker, to kind of see plays before they happen – really be able to read the play.”

“Managing expectations is huge in our business,” Fitzgerald added. “Quite honestly, it’s unfair…to think that Matt can have the same type of season that he had last year. Seriously, how could he? Anything less than goalie of the year is a failure? No.”

Murray will go into the 2015-16 season with different goals than last year. Zatkoff, who finished the 2014-15 AHL season with a .910 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average, appears to be a shoe-in for the backup job behind Fleury. The door is open for Murray to take the reins in the AHL and not look back.

“Last year I was really clueless as to where I’d be. I thought I might even be in the East Coast league (ECHL) to start the year,” Murray said. “That was a challenge in itself and this year a completely new challenge. A big thing for me is just coming into the season with an open mind and realizing I’ve never been in this position before. Try to keep it even-keeled and in the moment, because that’s when I’m at my best.”

Murray talked to several goaltenders about what to expect in his second year of professional hockey, namely a pair of veterans in the Penguins organization.

“I talk to [Marc-Andre Fleury] every time I get the chance. [He] is a great guy to learn from,” Murray said. “Even Jeff Zatkoff, every time I had a chance to ask him about a new experience I would be in his ear. Basically, anybody who I look up to, I try to be a sponge. I’m sure I get a little annoying asking so many questions, but those are the guys that have done what I hope to do in the future. I’m sure when they were in my position they were probably the same and that’s why they’re so great today.”

“It’ll be a big challenge,” Murray added. “That’s what I’m playing for, to make that next jump. It’s what drives me every day. I’m looking forward to it.”

After five top-five selections in the previous six NHL Drafts, the New York Islanders made strides this season to avoid another draft lottery situation.

For the second year in a row, General Manager Garth Snow made a splash at the draft. Last year he came into the draft with a top-five selection and traded up to the 28th selection to make two picks on Day 1. This year, the organization came into the 2015 NHL Draft with no first round pick, but Snow traded former 5th overall pick Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the 16th and 33rd pick.… read more

After five top-five selections in the previous six NHL Drafts, the New York Islanders made strides this season to avoid another draft lottery situation.

For the second year in a row, General Manager Garth Snow made a splash at the draft. Last year he came into the draft with a top-five selection and traded up to the 28th selection to make two picks on Day 1. This year, the organization came into the 2015 NHL Draft with no first round pick, but Snow traded former 5th overall pick Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the 16th and 33rd pick. Snow then packaged the 33rd and 72nd picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning to move up to 28th slot to make his second pick of the first round.

Barzal has been a highly touted prospect since he was taken first overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft. He could have been considered a surefire top five pick in most draft years, but due to this year’s depth talent, was projected to go anywhere from 5th to 10th overall. However, like the old saying goes, it only takes a team to like one player more than another for a player to slide and that’s exactly what happened to Barzal. The Islanders took advantage of this and were able to move up and take the skilled centerman.

Barzal is a high-end offensive dynamo who excels in the offensive zone. His calling card has always been his elite vision, however his shot is nothing to sneeze at. In this sense, Barzal has drawn favorable comparisons to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Barzal has amassed 111 points in 103 games over two seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds. A knee injury sidelined Barzal for most of November as well as the entire month of December and caused him to miss the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January. He played internationally for Team Canada at the U18 World Junior Championships for a second straight year leading them to a bronze medal. He paced the team in scoring with 12 points in 7 games.

Barzal will likely continue to develop in the WHL again next season where he has the natural offensive ability to challenge for the league scoring title. Barzal is a natural center, but similar to Ryan Strome may end up as a winger at the NHL level due to the Islanders’ depth at center.

Just like last year when the Islanders moved up to take Josh Ho-Sang, the Islanders traded for the 28th selection to take Anthony Beauviller. Similar to Ho-Sang, Beauviller oozes skill, but plays a more complete game.

Beauviller finished 8th in scoring in the QMJHL last season with 94 points in 67 games. The knock on Beauviller was his size. However, this past season is as much proof as any that small players can make an impact in the NHL with Tyler Johnson and Johnny Gaudreau becoming impact players. Beauviller plays with grit making his size less of a concern.

“Yeah now I’m a first round pick and I think for me that my height wasn’t something that bothered me. I was just playing my game, my size isn’t a problem for me.”

Beauviller was happy to be picked, coming off the board a little earlier than expected.

“Just wearing that jersey and surprised to be a first round pick, but very happy and very proud to wear that jersey.”

Like Barzal, Beauviller also played for Canada at the U18s, finishing with three goals.

“Barzal is one of my friends so I’m very excited to join him. I think it had an impact that we had a good chemistry at the Under-18s so I think that helped with the choice, but I’m very excited to join the New York Islanders.”

Beauviller will go back to Shawinigan to develop, but it won’t be long before he is in an Islanders uniform.

Beauvillier met with the media after his selection by the Islanders, with some of his comments (partially in French) being included in this Hockey’s Future video.

The Islanders continue to select players out of the Oshawa Generals organization, taking Vande Sompel in the third round. He projects to be an offensive defenseman who makes good reads and moves the puck well. Vande Sompel is a great skater and can quarterback a powerplay effectively.

The Islanders got a good look at Vande Sompel as he played with their top prospect Michael Dal Colle. The team finished in first place in the Eastern Conference and went on to win the Memorial Cup.

“It was a long year, but it was an unbelievable one. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. We started on top, and finished on top.”

Vande Sompel finished the year with 63 points in 58 games and added 14 points in 21 playoff games. The knock on Vande Sompel is his size, and if he will be able to contain NHL players in the defensive zone. He improved his defensive play in 2014-15, which was an encouraging sign.

“I think everything. I got to focus a lot on my upper body strength and learning how to play defense as good as I can. I think the offensive side of my game is coming along, it’s the defensive part I need to work on.”

Playing for the defensively sound Generals organization and has been crucial for his career.

“They’ve done so much for over the past two years, it’s been a heck of a ride. They’ve stuck with me every single part of the way. They’re first class and that organization is unbelievable.”

Vande Sompel will continue to develop in the OHL as the Generals look to repeat as OHL champions.

Photo: Minnesota native Brock Boeser was one of the most dangerous scorers in the 2015 draft class (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Vancouver Canucks prospects pool might be the least of the franchise’s worries at this moment in time. Ranked right in the middle of the league prior to the 2015 NHL Draft, the group boasts some areas of strength but fails to inspire much confidence on the whole. There is some quality (especially at center) and some quantity (especially on defense) and the Canucks added more of both to the prospect pool.

Photo: Minnesota native Brock Boeser was one of the most dangerous scorers in the 2015 draft class (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Vancouver Canucks prospects pool might be the least of the franchise’s worries at this moment in time. Ranked right in the middle of the league prior to the 2015 NHL Draft, the group boasts some areas of strength but fails to inspire much confidence on the whole. There is some quality (especially at center) and some quantity (especially on defense) and the Canucks added more of both to the prospect pool.

Draft weekend in Sunrise, Florida yielded some decent bets. Considering the late position of the first-round pick and their second-round pick previously traded to Calgary for Sven Baertschi (and used on intriguing defender Rasmus Andersson), the Canucks did pretty well to maximize their position. However, the management team also traded Eddie Lack, a homegrown goaltender who had begun to look like a top NHL player at that position, and Zack Kassian, a former first-round pick. While those returns seem underwhelming to some, Jim Benning and Trevor Linden seem to have a plan in motion, and it will be interesting to see where the 2015 class fits into that scheme. The last place any franchise wants to be is stuck in the middle: barely missing the playoffs or barely making an impact or barely missing out on franchise-changing talents around whom a smart management group can establish some dominance.

Vancouver has done better at the draft table lately, but from the 2010 Draft onward there are no picks outside of Bo Horvat currently on pace to play 100 NHL games. There are some promising players in the pipeline (Jared McCann, Jake Virtanen, Cole Cassels for starters) but the Canucks risk slipping further in the western conference arms race if they don’t start adding some elite talents. Whether this draft adequately addressed that need is a question whose answer will come, but not for two years or more.

Brock Boeser was the top goal-scorer in the USHL (tied with two others) and third overall in league scoring. The standout winger from Burnsville, Minnesota is a talent whose place in this draft nonetheless varied some. International Scouting Services pegged him as a second-rounder (35th overall), but most other scouts and publications placed him roughly in this slot, late in the first round. His game is somewhat less complete than other first-rounders, but his offensive tools, skating and awareness all rate favorably with his peers.

Boeser was, unsurprisingly, in a good mood on the draft floor, saying of the experience “it’s been tremendous, a dream come true. I couldn’t be more proud right now, hard to take it all in.”

He is a player who possesses top-line upside and is driven to show that ability every shift. Thus, his transition to college hockey may frustrate him at first as the physical challenges grow. As a freshman at the University of North Dakota, Boeser will be part of a new generation, one with a new mascot and a new head coach in Brad Berry (who once scouted for the Canucks).

Asked about the difficulty of making it to the NHL, Boeser said, “I definitely know that it’s not an easy process, it’s not an easy thing to do, I still have to put all the work in to earn my spot, and prove to them that I was a good pick-up.”

About the Canucks interview, Boeser said he wasn’t surprised that they picked him at 23rd: “I had a pretty strong feeling that they’d get me there.” Boeser’s innate confidence and scoring skill attracted the Canucks to him, but a breakout freshman campaign would do wonders for the confidence of the Canucks fanbase as well.

Boeser met with the media after being chosen by the Canucks at the NHL Draft, with some of his comments being captured in this Hockey’s Future video.

Brisebois is a player who served as captain for his team and embraced that leadership role in all situations. ISS’s 46th ranked player also made TSN analyst Bob Mackenzie’s top 50 list and was 41st in Central Scouting’s North American ranks. He did not put up great scoring totals on an overmatched team that was last in the QMJHL, and his rough-looking plus-minus rating speaks to the difficulty his team had in controlling play. That said, Brisebois is a highly-skilled defenseman with excellent awareness. He is a mobile and a very dependable player.

With the suppressed offense stemming from a weak team, Brisebois is a little hard to project. For Canucks fans, Brisebois currently represents the return for Eddie Lack. Whether fairly or not, it will be a burden that he has to face. The good news is that this young player has already shown a lot of resolve and character. After another strong season leading his junior squad, Brisebois will be ready to start climbing Vancouver’s depth chart. With a very well-rounded game, Brisebois might be one of the better picks of the third round, despite appearances.

Many teams deviated a bit from recent practice by turning to Russia at this draft. The World Junior squad that showed well at the Ivan Hlinka tournament is a strong group of talents, one whose North American prospects have been bolstered by uncertainty in Russia’s political economy. At that tournament, Zhukenov kept pace with the names that went earlier in the draft with a point-per-game outing. Like some of those teammates, Zhukenov is heading to Canada next season after being selected by Chicoutimi tenth overall in the CHL Import Draft.

Zhukenov did not have a standout season in the MHL, putting up only 19 points in 35 regular season games, with only three goals: all at even strength. It should be remembered that this total generally includes only primary assists however. Zhukenov was also a solid faceoff man, suggesting a reasonable level of defensive responsibility.

He proved capable against his own age group, with a slightly better than point-per-game pace against his cohort. This pick is a bit more long-range, but Zhukenov will undoubtedly put up some good numbers next season in Quebec.

Photo: Ottawa Senators first round pick at the 2015 NHL Draft, forward Colin White, will move on from the U.S. NTDP program to play for Boston College starting in the Fall (courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Despite yet another gold medal at the U18 World Championship, this time around in Zug, Switzerland, the U.S. NTDP saw relatively few players taken at the 2015 NHL Draft. To a degree that can be accredited to having a number of key players on the team who will first be eligible for the 2016 draft, including no less than captain Luke Kunin, top scorer Auston Matthews, Matt Tkachuk, Clayton Keller, Chad Krys, and Jamie McAvoy.… read more

Photo: Ottawa Senators first round pick at the 2015 NHL Draft, forward Colin White, will move on from the U.S. NTDP program to play for Boston College starting in the Fall (courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Despite yet another gold medal at the U18 World Championship, this time around in Zug, Switzerland, the U.S. NTDP saw relatively few players taken at the 2015 NHL Draft. To a degree that can be accredited to having a number of key players on the team who will first be eligible for the 2016 draft, including no less than captain Luke Kunin, top scorer Auston Matthews, Matt Tkachuk, Clayton Keller, Chad Krys, and Jamie McAvoy. As many as three of these players are looking like surefire first round picks for next summer’s draft.

For the U18 squad, after knocking off the Canadians 7-2 at the U18 WC in the semifinal, the U.S. had its hands full with an upstart Team Finland, scratching up all it could in gaining a 2-1 overtime victory after Sebastian Aho of Finland scored just 17 seconds into the final. Aside from earning a silver medal in a tough 3-2 loss to Canada in Sochi in the spring of 2013, the U.S. has managed to take gold in six of the last seven years.

But several players were highly sought commodities at the NHL Draft and who exactly they were may have come as a bit of a surprise to some – but not to Hockey’s Future.

First up was heart-and-soul leader Colin White, a solidly built, 6-foot and 183 pound center who scored the game-winner for Team USA in overtime in the U18 gold medal game. Able to read the game at a high level and remaining active at all times whether with or without the puck, White’s true strengths lie in puck possession, management, and protection. White is quite adept at cycling and winning battles along the boards while the sum total of his efforts are boatloads of intangibles, which wouldn’t be possible for a player that didn’t feature his resiliency and work ethic.

Taken in the first round, 21st overall, by the Ottawa Senators, the full-blooded hustler and leader is scheduled to attend Boston College in the fall where it is felt he will automatically take on a top-nine role for a program expected to compete for a national championship. Ranked just 29th in North America by the NHL’s Central Scouting Services (CSS), he was first among U.S. NTDP players as ranked by Hockey’s Future heading into the draft, who expected him to be selected between spots 14-28. For most pundits, it’s not a question of if, but rather when White will be in the NHL, and he looks to fit right in with what Ottawa has been building in recent years. His character and all-around play is a welcome addition to the organization.

The first U.S. NTDP surprise came just a few picks later when Jack Roslovic, a 6-foot, 187-pound forward, was selected 25th overall by the Winnipeg Jets, earlier than most expected. Ranked 39th amongst North Americans by CSS, he was U.S. NTDP player number three for Hockey’s Future heading into the draft. We nonetheless felt he’d be taken between spots 22-45, as the results of his play simply can’t be denied. Much like White, Roslovic is full of intangibles and shows up when the stakes are high.

Roslovic won’t necessarily wow you with his speed, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more complete complementary player. A member of the program’s top line this past winter, Roslovic harmonized perfectly with top 2016-eligible draft talents Matthews and Tkachuk this past winter, which culminated in a gold medal at the U18 World Championship where Roslovic scored an all-important equalizer halfway through the game to get the U.S. to overtime. Strong on his stick, Roslovic shows keen offensive awareness and has an amazing ability to dangle in corners and read oncoming attackers. Adept at protecting the puck, Roslovic looks for just the right passing and shooting opportunities and can bounce back from checks on a whim.

The Ohio native is scheduled to attend the Miami University this fall and will be counted on to provide offense right from the get-go. For Winnipeg, which had two first round picks, he was the second American forward taken after Kyle Connor and should be given plenty of time to bulk up and fine-tune his game. A WJC appearance this winter is not out of the question.

Seven picks later, the Arizona Coyotes kicked off their Day 2 of the draft by taking hulking forward Christian Fischer, a meat and potatoes bull in a china shop who did a lot of the yeoman’s work in helping his country win gold at the U18. A 6’1” and 212-pound bruiser, Fischer was ranked just 37th in North America by CSS and was second among U.S. NTDP players for Hockey’s Future. A player for every situation, Fischer is a package of an imposing physical force with a playmaker’s skill set. Still finding his way through the world of danglers and needle-threaders, Fischer’s bread and butter is his all-round polished game over 200 feet. This is accompanied by a fine ability to score goals and set up his teammates, something he does in an equally strong capacity.

By no means a speedster, Fischer will be suiting up for the University of Notre Dame this fall and will be looked upon to assume the same kind of second- or third-line role he’s had for the U.S. while being a responsible player in all three zones. Obviously a kid who the Coyotes view as having some real potential, Hockey’s Future predicted that he’d go between spots 38-65 in the draft. He was the first of three Americans drafted by Arizona this summer.

The fourth-ranked U.S. NTDP player by Hockey’s Future was the towering 6’5”, 222-pound Jordan Greenway, who was ranked 47th overall by CSS among North Americans and went 50th overall to the Minnesota Wild. A left-shooting forward with the height and weight of a full grown man, Greenway is very noticeable on and off the ice. Still grappling a bit with the awkwardness that a young man his age can deal with at that size, Greenway hasn’t necessarily been developing in the offensive capacity many felt he might this winter. Although he is not shy in applying his size, Greenway seems to often play as though he feels he is a budding skill player, sometimes doing this more than using that size to its optimal effectiveness.

It will now be the Wild’s task to get the most out of his many tools and get that body working for him in all three zones. The areas of defensive zone play and overall hockey sense could use some improvement, and Greenway is well aware of this. A native of New York, graduate of Shattuck St. Mary’s, and older brother to the highly-touted and similarly sized defenseman James Greenway, Jordan is headed to Boston University next fall, likely just missing out on an opportunity to play with Jack Eichel. He will nonetheless hope to make a similar impact, and, along with Colorado Avalanche second rounder A.J. Greer, the duo gives the program a big 1-2 punch on left wing size. Hockey’s Future had predicted that Greenway would be drafted between spots 40-70.

The next program member to be drafted was a kid whose size pales in comparison to Greenway’s, but whose stats were far superior. Going to the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 61st pick was Long Island, NY native Jeremy Bracco, a diminutive 5’9”, 172-pound playmaker who put up three goals and 13 points as well as a +10 rating, naturally assisting on White’s gold medal-clinching goal, at the U18. Ranked 60th overall by CSS among North Americans and fifth amongst U.S. NTDP players by Hockey’s Future, the little tyke has been viewed by the scouting community as being all over the charts. In general, Bracco plays a cerebral game that rarely sees him physically taken out of action, something of importance in light of his size. An above-average puckmover, Bracco constantly finds teammates, often delivering the puck on a silver platter.

Not the fastest skater in the world, Bracco does manage to be very agile with and without the puck. Very shifty, very mobile in an almost awkward manner at times, he just continues to produce without end. The stickhandling and on-ice hockey sense belong to the best in this draft, even if he has the tendency to overhandle or even fall in love with possessing the puck. With players such as Johnny Gaudreau and Tyler Johnson making such an impact in the current NHL, it was only a question of time before a team would take a chance on Bracco, who Hockey’s Future saw going between spots 20-65. That he went so late was surely a surprise to some as talk of him being a late first round pick was commonplace.

Along with linemate Colin White, Bracco is heading to Boston College this fall, where he will be expected to take on an immediate offensive role. For Toronto, he’s yet another among what’s becoming a large collection of undersized skill forwards.